UAE Minister Of Sport Meets Paralympic Team Ahead Of Paris 2024 Games

Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sport, highlighted the determination of the People of Determination to elevate the UAE flag at significant international events. He described their efforts as a source of pride and an example for all athletes. This statement was made during his visit to the UAE delegation's residence participating in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

The minister was welcomed at the Olympic Village by Mohammed Fadel Al Hameli, Chairman of the UAE Paralympics Committee, who is leading the UAE delegation to Paris 2024. Also present were Tariq Sultan bin Khadem, Vice-Chairman of the National Paralympic Committee; Gareth Wynn, Chief Communications Officer at Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), and members of the committee's board of directors and delegation.

Al Falasi praised the readiness of national teams comprising People of Determination to achieve podium finishes and enhance recent accomplishments. These include successes at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and the Asian Para Games held in Hangzhou, China, in 2023. He expressed confidence that their participation in Paris would mark a new chapter in UAE’s sports journey.

He said, "The resolve of the People of Determination to raise the UAE flag high at the world’s largest events has always been our source of pride. We are confident that their participation in the Paris Paralympic Games will mark a new chapter of excellence in the UAE’s sports journey."

The minister toured the Olympic Village in Paris to ensure all comfort measures for the UAE delegation were in place. He also visited the International Paralympic Committee’s Athletes’ Council voting booth, where UAE shooter Saif Al Nuaimi is nominated for membership.

Mohammed Fadel Al Hameli expressed his happiness with Al Falasi's visit, seeing it as a significant motivation for athletes before competitions begin. He noted that all athletes are determined to give their best and maintain their track record of achievements over past years.

Al Falasi added, "We will continue to support and nurture our People of Determination champions so that their success is distinguished and sustainable on the international stage, setting an example for elevating UAE sports to new levels."

This visit included Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Director-General of the UAE General Authority of Sports, and Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Executive Director of the Sports Development Sector at the authority.

The commitment shown by these athletes serves as an inspiration not only within sports but across various sectors in UAE society. Their achievements highlight resilience and dedication, contributing significantly to national pride.

With inputs from WAM